March on Campus: Lexington Wildcats
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The Dustin Curtis era officially began March 1 at Lexington High School. It’s a homecoming for the Wildcat alumnus, who played for the 2000 Class 4A state runner-up with running back Demetris Summers and was head coach of the 2020…
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Continue ReadingThe Dustin Curtis era officially began March 1 at Lexington High School.
It’s a homecoming for the Wildcat alumnus, who played for the 2000 Class 4A state runner-up with running back Demetris Summers and was head coach of the 2020 Class 4A champion A.C. Flora. After one year as Dorman High School head coach, he takes over for Perry Woolbright (now leading his alma mater Clover High School) after six seasons.
Woolbright’s final two seasons saw the Wildcats post a 17-6 record, placing second twice in the region to state power Dutch Fork. Curtis now inherits a team still rich in talent at the key positions and expected to get stronger with rising players from the B-team and junior varsity ranks.
“I know that there’s already kids here that want to compete, that want to win and that want to be physical, and they want to play tough football and that’s what it takes to be successful in the playoffs,” Curtis said.
Ryan McFarland Ryan McFarland 6'1" | 225 lbs | OL Lexington | 2024 State SC
Ryan McFarland Ryan McFarland 6'1" | 225 lbs | OL Lexington | 2024 State SC
- At 6-2 and 230 lbs., McFarland was an All-Region, All-State selection who has thrived at the guard position during his three seasons playing varsity football
- Deceptively quick for his size, McFarland has used it to help outmaneuver defenders.
- He’s also strong effort to knock defensive lineman off-balanced and his technique makes him a very effective run blocker. This was evident in the success of “Mr. South Carolina Football” finalist Jonah Norris Jonah Norris 5’11” | 200 lbs | RB Lexington | 2023 State SC , who rushed for just under 2,000 yards last season
- Leadership on the offensive line contributed to the team’s success in the “Red Zone”. The offense scored on 24 of 36 visits
- He’s currently bench pressing 235 pounds, clean lifting 245 lbs. and squatting 405 lbs
- Is expected to attend the Palmetto Combine Series in West Florence
- An All-Region and All-State selection, he completed 164-238 passes for 2,240 yards and 23 touchdowns last season. He only had seven interceptions and rushed for 397 yards and six touchdowns
- While described as a dual quarterback and his 40-yard dash time is under 4.6 seconds, Mines looks more comfortable and accurate throwing from the pocket. He has shown improvement in each season in throwing his wide receivers open and has used off-season workouts to develop a rapport with them.
- Strong for his 5’11, 180-pound size, has proven dificult to bring down for sacks Wants to work on quickening his release as well as capitalizing on his speedy wideouts with more long passes
- Received first college offer from Allen University on March 17. Mines enters his third season as a starter having posted a 17-6 record and back-to-back second place finishes.
- Has earned early praiser from new head coach Dustin Curtis for his leadership skills
Highlights
Torie Jones
Torie Jones
- He’s making his debut on the varsity level this season having moved up from B-team and junior varsity the past two season.
- At 5’5, 135 pounds, Jones has breakout 4.5 speed whose demonstrated quick vision to find openings. He has strong legs despite his size, making him difficult for one individual to tackle
- Working diligently in the weight room to improve upper body strength and durability
- Plays every game as if it’s a “championship game”
- Will spend summer working with quarterback Taiden Mines Taiden Mines 5’11” | 180 lbs | QB Lexington | 2024 State SC on pass catching out of the backfield
- Playing for a head coach in Dustin Curtis who’s had success with running backs like A.C. Flora’s Markee Anderson Markee Anderson 6’5″ | 280 lbs | OL Dorman | 2023 State SC
Nygel Louis
Nygel Louis
- Louis making the leap to the varsity ranks after a strong season with the B-team’
- Slender build at 5-10, 160 lbs. with long arms and high leaping ability, Louis used his size advantage to dominate shorter cornerbacks last season.
- He considers himself a “deep ball receiver” which works well with a quarterback Taiden Mines Taiden Mines 5’11” | 180 lbs | QB Lexington | 2024 State SC whose proficient at throwing the long ball.
- Off-season workouts with quarterback Taiden Mines Taiden Mines 5’11” | 180 lbs | QB Lexington | 2024 State SC have helped acclimate Louis to the varsity level and develop a chemistry level.
- Louis has also spent the off-season working to improve his R.A.C. (running after catches).
- While comfortable with catching the deep ball, he’s also solid in his short route running.
- Louis has worked with his wide receivers coach to improve his speed (he’s currently at 4.8 in the 40-yard dash), footwork and downfield blocking.
- Coaching staff is excited about Louis’ potential as they look for a replacement for graduating starters
Kamadi Maxwell
Kamadi
Maxwell
5’11” | 165 lbs | WR
Lexington | 2023
State
SC
and Jarrod Mewborn.
- Possessing a positive, upbeat personality, Byrd’s enthusiasm comes through his of-field play.
- Byrd’s excitement and determination, combined with his speed and athleticism, often helps him overcome larger offensive linemen to make tackles from the defensive end position.
- A three-sport athlete, Byrd was one of the top defenders for the boys’ basketball team which reached the Class 5A Upper State final. He’s also involved with track and field
- Byrd was third on the team with tackles (72) and the team-leader with 4.5 sacks. He also had two interceptions and four pass breakups.
- Received interest from Erskine College and expects to be moved to outside linebacker on the college level. He’s even receptive to playing wide receiver if necessary.